- Joe Whitt Jr., Defensive Coordinator: This could scream “comfort-level hire”, as mentioned earlier but that would be a lazy assessment. Whitt has not only worked for Quinn before, but he’s been integral in shifting his coaching philosophy to today’s NFL offenses. His units have flourished since he cameinto the league as a defensive backs coach in 2007. As an assistant in Green Bay, the Packers secondary led the NFL twice, in 2009 and 2010, in total interceptions plus continued success in Atlanta and then Dallas. Two seasons with Dallas saw Trevon Diggs tie the franchise record in interceptions with 14 and DaRon Bland set an NFL single-season record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season (5). With Washington’s secondary being one of the worst units in the NFL, this hire works two-fold. Not only does he bring the familiarity of a Dan Quinn defense that had Dallas playing at an elite level, but Whitt’s secondary resume is what this unit needs.
- Kliff Kingsbury, Offensive Coordinator: I won’t go into great detail here as there is skepticism from my perspective and this column covers his track record offensively. What he does bring is an innovative passing scheme complimented by a strong running game. Maybe his time as a head coach in Arizona took him away from being a fully effective play caller, and coming back into the NFL as an offensive coordinator is where he truly belongs. The recent hiring of Anthony Lynn as run game coordinator could provide the veteran voice Kingsbury needs in his ear in game planning and in-game adjustments. I hope for the best but not expecting great consistency (to be honest).
- Brian Johnson, Undefined Offensive Position: Last season for the Eagles Brian Johnson didn’t have the smoothies transition into the offensive coordinator role but that won’t be his role in Washington. Although his role is currently undefined, his two seasons as a successful quarterbacks coach may help define his potential role. Johnson is accredited for the development of Jalen Hurts and setting him up to be a serious contender for league MVP in the 2022 season. Under Johnson’s coaching, Hurts had a significant jump in production from the 2021 season to the 2022 season. Had a +5.2% increase in completion percentage (66.5%) and an improved quarterback rating from 87.2 to 101.5 just to name a few. This hire will go a long way in developing Sam Howell or a rookie quarterback in this year’s draft.
- Ken Norton Jr., Linebackers Coach: With newly hired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. having his influence on the secondary, Ken Norton Jr. brings a high level of respect to a talent-depleted linebacker room. Not just as a former player either but as a linebacker coach and defensive coordinator in the NFL. It is with this experience that Norton will help mold Jamin Davis and any rookie drafted to this unit. Quinn will surely have a focus on building a unit void of any impact players and Norton with the retaining of Ryan Kerrigan is ideal in this role.
https://www.thehogsty.com/2024/02/15/wa ... to-expect/